Exclusive Kenya—Custom Safari

Located on 2.5 acres of beautifully manicured gardens in the quiet residential suburb of Karen on the outskirts of Nairobi, the House of Waine offers an appealing alternative to standardized city hotels.

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House of Waine

Location
Nairobi, Kenya

The House of Waine, located in the quiet residential suburb of Karen on the outskirts of Nairobi, offers an appealing alternative to standardized city hotels. Set on 2.5 beautifully manicured acres, it was originally built as a lavish private estate. Later acquired by a local family, the elegant property was carefully refurbished, resulting in the distinctive boutique hotel that exists today. The stately home offers guests an authentic experience of personalized African hospitality with uniquely designed rooms, modern amenities and traditional Kenyan charm.

The inn's 11 bedrooms are individually styled and named, each furnished to reflect a distinct theme. Complimentary pastries and fresh-ground coffee are delivered to your room daily. Luxurious en suite marble bathrooms feature large windows and natural light. All rooms have mini bar and Internet access. The House of Waine’s dining menus reflect Nairobi’s many local flavors. Meals are served in multiple locations including the dining room, terrace, garden, lounge and pool pavilion, offering memorable dining experiences amid the verdant lawns and gardens. Guests can also relax on the spacious patio and enjoy drinks poolside. The House of Waine is an easy 30-minute transfer from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and 20 minutes from Nairobi's domestic Wilson Airport.

Colonial Kenyan history speaks from the walls of this iconic 1904 hotel. The traditional safari launch pad when Nairobi was a rough British East Africa outpost is now the genteel heart of the modern Nairobi.

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Fairmont Norfolk Hotel

Location
Nairobi, Kenya

The history of colonial Kenya speaks from the walls of this iconic hotel. Opened in 1904, the Norfolk remains among Nairobi’s finest and best-known hotels, still the traditional starting point for safaris as it was when it commenced service while Nairobi was a rough outpost in British East Africa. In the heart of the modern capital today, the genteel Norfolk is now under the management of the Fairmont Hotel group.

Lifelong Kenya residents Anthony and Emma Childs have created an atmospheric and elegant refuge from Nairobi’s hustle and bustle, with 10 rooms full of contemporary African flair and airy gathering spaces.

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The Emakoko

Location
Nairobi, Kenya

The Emakoko is the concept of lifelong Kenya residents Anthony and Emma Childs, realizing their vision of an atmospheric safari lodge close to Nairobi yet offering a refuge from the city’s hustle and bustle. This elegant new lodge is artfully built into the side of a valley on the Mbagathi River bordering Nairobi National Park, a mere 20-minute transfer from both airports in Nairobi City. Five rooms share the same level as the airy main dining and lounge areas, while five more are positioned on top of a cliff with spectacular views over the valley. All rooms have en suite facilities and are furnished with contemporary African flair in rich chocolate browns, creamy beiges and crisp white linens. Deep, comfortable chairs nestle around your own stone fireplace. At night, you’ll fall asleep to the sounds of Africa—a lion roaring or the cry of a hyena – in stark contrast to the traffic, fire engines and barking dogs that are the normal sounds of the urban night. Enjoy a cocktail on the veranda, soak in the pool by the river, or browse the boutique for Kenya-made handicrafts.

Serene private balconies at this 45-room boutique hotel overlook the famous Ngong Hills for a luxurious start or end to any safari, complete with personal butler, four-poster beds and deep soaking tubs.

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Hemingways Nairobi

Hemingways Nairobi sits on the eastern edge of Nairobi National Park, where serene private balconies overlook the famous Ngong Hills that Ernest Hemingway evoked in The Green Hills of Africa and Karen Blixen lulled us to love in her memoir, Out of Africa. A luxurious start or end to any East African safari, complete with your personal butler, the 45-room boutique hotel is nestled in Karen, Nairobi’s tranquil, upscale suburb located about 40 minutes from the international airport.

The plantation-style property is airy and spacious, displaying a contemporary-chic design aesthetic with a hearty nod to vintage East African safari. Each suite features high ceilings, four-poster beds, en-suite bathrooms with deep soaking tubs and showers, plush sofas, writing desks and balconies. Surround yourself with classic elegance, played out in muted tones and touches of brass, mahogany and leather. Rooms have air-conditioning, complimentary Wi-Fi, ceiling fans, hair dryers, direct-dial telephones, mini bar and coffee and tea. Swim in the spacious central pool or take advantage of the full-service spa.

Meals are shared at Hemingways Nairobi Brasserie, the hotel’s European-style restaurant. Sumptuous breakfasts are served with elaborate pastries and bread that are baked daily in-house, plus fresh squeezed juices. At champagne afternoon tea, a cake stand emerges with hand-crafted miniature cakes, gateaux opera, fruit delice, mini-eclairs and freshly-baked scones with Cornish clotted cream, home-made strawberry jam and lemon curd. Watch the sun set over a contemporary cocktail in the lounge with all the ambiance of a private club. At dinner, the restaurant is famous for its steaks, specially-fed beef grilled on an imported charcoal oven. The wine cellar is laden with bottles of Old and New World wines, and the bar has a collection of rare cognacs and single malt whiskies that can be enjoyed with a cigar, outside on the smoking terrace.

Produce is locally sourced and local farmers and growers are showcased in a show of support. The hotel also promotes expert local craftsmen and artisan boutiques for Kenyan souvenirs. An internal water and energy conservation eco-system and sustainable waste management help protect the local environment. In addition to the national park, the hotel is within easy access of Karen Blixen Museum and the Daphne Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage.